two new pigs..are they fighting?

[Allyh]

I have two new 4 week old pigs, both female, Piglet and Tanto. Upon close inspection, one had a little scab on her rear. One morning I woke up, and it is now more like a sore (although it seems to now be scabbing over a bit) Could this be a bite wound? I have seen Piglet nip at Tanto on occasion too! Should I put my fears to rest or are these two piggies not meant to be?

 

[DocDolittle]

Unless you see them fly at each other, it shouldn't be serious. A real fight betwee guinea pigs is very noticeable. However, have you checked for mites? Mites often cause scabs because the pigs scratch and bite at themselves so much.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

I'd treat for mites. Where did you get them? Are you sure they're both female? Sometimes sows nip at males if they're bugging them.

How big is your cage?

 

[Allyh]

Thanks for the response. I'm 99% sure they're both female and their cage is about 4feet by 3 feet. Should I check with a vet first before treating for mites?

 

[ChadWPB]

You can take your pig to a vet. One thing not to let the vet do is a skin scrape. I'ts painful and often yields false negatives.

You can also purchase ivermectin and dose it yourself.

https://guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html

One note - Ivermectin is safe in slightly older pigs. Weight of the pig must be at least 12 ounces (340 grams). It must be dosed accurately, as too much can cause an overose which can be fatal and too little will not be effective. When used properly, ivermectin is safe and effective in treating mites and fur lice.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Its always a good idea to have new piggies checked out by a vet to make sure they are healthy. Did you get them from a pet shop or a rescue/shelter?

 

[Allyh]

Piggies are from a friend's pig who had babies. Is it possible for one to have mites and the other not to?

 

[Ly&Pigs]

I am not an expert on mites, but I suppose it would be possible for one to have them and the other not to, but I do know if left untreated the other will eventually get them as well. I have seen pictures of piggers with severe mite problems and it was not a pretty site. Dosing them for mites even if they don't have them is not harmful to them. I have one piggie that is in quarantine that was suspected of having mites and she was started on ivermectin treatments and as a precaution I have dosed my other pigs as well even though they are in different rooms and different cages.

 

[ChadWPB]

Mites are extremely contagious. If one has mites, it's very likely the other has mites, too.

 

[Piglet]

Aw, you named one after me. lol. I'd say treat them both for mites

 

[Treen]

Allyh, I've deleted the identical thread you made in general chat - in future please don't duplicate posts, once is enough!